Assessment of anxiety and quality of sleep In post-partum mothers: a one year crosssectional Hospital based descriptive study

Abstract

Background: The postpartum period, often called the “fourth trimester”, is vital yet often overlooked. Most mother and infant fatalities happen during this time. This period is also frequently associated with psychiatric illnesses such postpartum depression, PTSD, and psychosis. Post-partum depression is relatively well researched, however, the literature pertaining to post-partum anxiety is sparse- especially in India. The limited data available states prevalence of post-partum anxiety to be as high as 25-30%. Another frequently experienced problem by post-partum women, yet overlooked, is that of disturbed sleep. As high as 60-70% of new mothers may have significantly impaired sleep. Numerous studies have concluded that disrupted sleep patterns could increase the risk of mood and anxiety problems in mothers. Objectives: Primary Objective: Estimation of prevalence of anxiety in post-partum mothers. Secondary Objective: a) Assessment of Quality of Sleep in post-partum mothers. b) Association between various socio-demographic, clinical variables and anxiety. c) Association between various socio-demographic, clinical variables and quality of sleep.